Ron was schoolkeeper at St Paul’s for a very long time (around 45 years). His wife, Janette, has supported him in the job – who can forget Santa’s Grotto? And at least one of his sons has been an active member of the local Scout group. Janette, more recently, has been running a local pre-school nursery.

Ron found himself forced to retire due to ill health a year or so ago, with the associated eviction from the house that came attached to his job, and where he and his family have lived for 45 years.

His eviction is well underway and it seems that none of the Church, the school authorities, or the council are taking responsibility for helping him find a suitable place to live. This seems an outrageous way to treat a family who has given so much to its community.

We believe he almost secured a flat in Elephant and Castle, miles away from his family, community and friends but, nonetheless, accommodation that he was happy to be offered and accept.

He was in the process of signing when it became obvious he couldn’t have a dog in the property. He has had dogs all his life and it was impossible to imagine never having one again, let alone what would happen to the dog he currently has.

He and his family have contributed so much to the children and families of our community. By writing this letter we hope that someone or some organisation in this same community can offer a solution to his housing problem.